Frustration at East Jordan City Hall

EAST JORDAN - The fireworks were going off over the city's budget at the East Jordan City Commissioner's April 21 meeting.

It started with one of the first items on the agenda - the discussion of the harbor project.

Commissioners had to agree to pay the fee for hauling away the sand that would be dredged out.

"We've already assumed the debt by approving the electrical and dredging work. We have no choice but to approve a bid for someone to move all that sand. At this point, a bond is the best way to pay for that," mayor Mark Postma said.

Commissioner Deneille Moes did not completely agree with the mayor.

"The general fund is supporting the harbor right now. An additional bond needs to go to an approval for the people. It'll only add to our debt. I don't see how we can afford to keep things the way they are," Moes said.

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"The people need to know we are maxing ourselves out. The harbor is not self sufficient that much is obvious. We are paying for it and it is not helping our budget," Moes added.

During this discussion, other commissioners gave their input as well.

"We need to just make up our minds. Do we want a harbor or not? If not we need to shut it down and be done with it," commissioner Dan Bennett said.

In response, parks director Tom Cannon said, "This isn't anything new. Most harbors in Michigan are not self supporting. They require work and upkeep. We are one of the older marinas around and I honestly believe we have an opportunity that lots of communities don't have."

Treasure Susan Moreau added, "There is still $312,999 owed on that bond (for a boat launch near Carey's Corner)."

This bond was approved by commissioners two years ago.

The details of how much a new bond would cost have not been worked out yet.

Commissioner Moes said she preferred making cuts to the budget versus getting another bond for the harbor. Mayor Postma preferred using a bond.

"My opinion is that interest on bonds is low. If the harbor can support even 90 percent of that bond, then we don't need to cut city services and re-do the budget," Postma said.

"It was not long ago that the general fund had to support the Tourist Park. Now they are going strong by themselves. We need to support the harbor until they can do it themselves," Postma added.

While Moes still thought the idea of the bond should go to a vote before the people of East Jordan, commissioner Lee Symonds did not agree.

"If you want to make this a constituent's democracy then let's do it. Let's have the people vote on everything. Then there would be no point in us being here," he said.

"We have a job to do as commissioners to make these decisions and we need to just do it," Symonds added.

In the end, all commissioners voted to approve the bond for the sand hauling. However, this did not end the discussion of the city's budget.

Postma told the commission they have worked with this budget for many hours. They have handed it back to department heads in the city and have asked for as many cuts as possible.

"I don't think it's a matter of just handing it back to the city. I think it's a matter of handing it back to Dave. We hired him to do this and make these cuts. He needs to be able to do it. I'm not sure he is. It's not happening," Moes said.

"I was asked to cut $50,000 and I cut $49,700," Dave White, city administrator replied.

During the community comment time, East Jordan resident Tony Cutler addressed the commission. He told Moes it was not right to doubt the actions of administrator White.

"You asked for cuts, he gave you cuts. It is very disconcerting to see you sit there and criticize his actions when he has done his job and more," Cutler said.

Speaking to the entire commission, Cutler added, "As for the harbor, the project will get money eventually. It's a matter of helping it out now."

To close the discussion of the budget, it was decided that the details of the bond would be worked out and commission would approve or not approve it at that time. They will also be looking for more cuts.

The next East Jordan city council meeting is scheduled for May 5 at 7:30 p.m. at city hall. Call (231) 536-3381 for more information.